Hello Friday! You are most welcome! Well we have a treat for you today. These two have just celebrated their first anniversary (hope you had a lovely one Natalie and Steve!) Shot by our very own Maria Farrelly, this wedding was full of personal touches that really made their big day, all about them! Shot by our very own and amazing Maria Farrelly , this wedding oozes coolness and individuality!
Natalie and Steve’s Vintage Zombie Wedding
What was your budget?
£15,000
How would you describe your wedding theme?
Vintage with a hint of zombie!
What was your favourite part of your wedding?
My favourite part of the wedding was the ceremony. I had had a nightmare whilst getting ready, and having my one contact break, leaving me to walk down the aisle with just one contact in! As the walking in music began, my hairs stood on end, I forgot everything that had happened, and I just couldn’t stop smiling! Seeing my Dad beaming with pride, and then seeing my future husband waiting at the end of the aisle filled me with pure joy. We also went a little ‘off-book’ with our wedding vows, and vowed to each other…to respect and cherish you throughout our life together, unless you become a zombie, then I promise to shoot you in the head!’ It certainly raised a laugh from the congregation! I also loved that we walked out as newly married couple to Less Than Jake’s “I Think I Love You”.
Tell us about your Wedding Dress
I bought my wedding dress from the second shop I visited, All About Eve in Newport. I tried on 5 dresses that day and discounted my actual dress as being too expensive ( The sales assistant advised it was the second most expensive dress they had!). After trying all the other dresses, and feeling frumpy in them all, I decided to try the Ronald Joyce Erin, with her BEAUTIFUL beaded back…. As soon as it was on, and I showed my Mum and bridesmaid, we just knew this had to be it. I could just imagine saying ‘I do’ to my future husband in that dress.
Who did you pick as your bridesmaids &/or best man and why?
My bridesmaids were both long time friends, Rachel, who I met at the age of 7, at primary school and Natalie, who I met age 11 at high school. They have always been there, though thick and thin. We literally couldn’t be more different, these girls are the cheese to my chalk!
Our groomsman was Natalie’s fiance, and our long time friend, Barney. The best man was my husband’s best friend of 18 years, Lee. They have been through many adventures together, and he had the best stories!
Why did you choose your venue?
To be honest, the venue was a compromise as we had butted heads over this. I had very grand ideas, and the hubby didn’t want anything too grandiose. After many ideas, we came across Portland House . It suited us both, as it has an amazing glass ceiling, and marble pillars, but is in the middle of Cardiff Bay. We weren’t after your average wedding photos either, so didn’t mind that it doesn’t have grounds.
Tell us about your photographer
Our photographer was the wonderful Maria ! She was AMAZING. She calmed me down and guided us throughout the day. She knew exactly what we were looking for and even found a way to get us into the vaults for some spectacular photos!
How did the proposal happen?
The proposal was the sweetest! We were having an average Saturday at home and I went to the kitchen to start on dinner. Next thing I know, I hear “Go see your Mam'” from Steve in the living room, and then confronted with our mad little Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bob. He bounded in and out of the kitchen several times, when I noticed he had something in his collar. I knelt down to try and grab it from him, when he knocked me down to the floor with excited licks! There, lying on our kitchen floor, I opened the note. It read “Marry my Daddy so we can be a proper family, because we all love you”… I looked up to see Steve on bended knee with the most beautiful ring. The rest, as they say, is history!
Any DIY stories/tutorials you’d like to share?
I made my own brooch bouquet. I absolutely blagged it from the start. I used around 60 brooches in total! I bought a teardrop Base metal structure, and literally hand tied with jewellery wire each and every one of the brooches on. No fabric, and no fillers! I then sealed the back with heavy satin ribbon, and used a fine lace to wrap the handle and sealed the end of the handle with a brooch. I finished it just 2 days before the wedding! We also made the buttonholes, which consisted of used shotgun shells, wrapped with twine with a black feather and faux purple lavender sprig. I wanted no flowers at the wedding, so I also decorated my center pieces (silver candelabras) myself with a lot of help from the hubby and my bridesmaid Rachel!
What was your first dance & why?
Our first dance was the acoustic version of Papa Roach’s No Matter What. The song was absolutely perfect for us, and our wedding theme. I wanted something that reflected us, as we are both into metal music, but didn’t completely alienate the guests! The lyrics tell a love story, and includes the lines, “No matter what, I got your back, I’ll take a bullet for you if it comes to that”, which is pretty fitting, given our vows!
It was beautiful, and brought a tear to a few eyes!
In hindsight, was there anything you would have done differently?
Yes. I definitely would have had back up contact lenses! I probably would have had a tea length dress to change in to for the evening too, as it was quite difficult to rock out without tripping over my dress!
Do you have any advice for future couples?
Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Don’t compromise on your day, do it where, and however you want. You can’t please all of the people, all of the time, so do something that YOU will be pleased with.
What was your favourite thing about planning a wedding?
I genuinely enjoyed all of it!
The Suppliers
Photographer: Maria Farrelly
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Portland House
Bride’s Dress: All About Eve
Bride’s Shoes: Lenihan’s Of London , custom commission.
Bride’s Headpiece: Custom commissioned
Bride’s Jewellery: Grandmothers pearls/ Bete Noire Jewellery
Groom’s Outfit: Waistcoat and tie from Anthony Formalwear , suit hire from Dyfed Menswear .
Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Lindy Bop
Cake: Vale Cakes
Hair: Owen Roberts
Make Up: Jody Amner
DJ: Rob Toogood from Fuel Rock Club
Stationery: Love Lee
Any Reception Decor/Props: MST Events
Transport: Rumney Wedding Cars
The Wedding Album
